Potential changes to alimony pass Minnesota house committee

On behalf of Terzich & Ort, LLP posted in Divorce on Wednesday, April 6, 2016.

A recent post here discussed the topic of alimony and concerns it has brought up in some Minnesota communities. A Minnesota House committee recently approved a bill that could change the way alimony is paid in Minnesota. Under the new bill, permanent alimony for a former spouse could end if the former spouse moves in with a romantic partner. The new bill would allow for the modification or termination of spousal maintenance if the former spouse receiving alimony begins living with another person, but was not cohabiting when the alimony was awarded.

As this blog recently discussed, one Minnesota man has reportedly paying $5,200 a month to his ex-wife, even though she moved in with her boyfriend and bought a condo with him. Others report being impacted by current alimony laws some view as unfair, such as a woman who is paying $1,200 a month in permanent alimony to her former husband, who is unemployed and lives with his girlfriend. Another man reports supporting the lifestyle of his ex-wife and her boyfriend while the two live in the family home.

Permanent spousal maintenance is an emotionally charged issue that sometimes includes controversy. Alimony, sometimes referred to spousal maintenance or spousal support, can be awarded in different ways following a divorce. The type of alimony awarded can determine when and how the alimony is paid and a host of factors can influence the amount of alimony that is awarded.

While potential changes to alimony are being considered now, it is important for divorcing couples to be familiar with how alimony is currently determined. Alimony is a significant issue that can have future effects on the couple long after they are divorced, so it is worth it to be well-informed during the divorce process concerning the topic of alimony.

The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.